Fire Leaves Authorities Searching For Clues

FARMINGTON — Investigators on Friday probed charred ruins for clues to the cause of a Thursday night blaze that destroyed a house in the Devonwood subdivision, authorities said.

About 55 firefighters from Farmington and Plainville battled for about an hour to bring the 8:15 p.m. fire at 2 Sussex St. under control, said Chief Timothy Vibert of the Farmington Volunteer Fire Department.

The two-story cape, unoccupied when the blaze broke out because it was undergoing renovation, was a total loss, Vibert said. He had no dollar estimate.

Fire Marshal Vincent DiPietro reportedly was on the scene throughout the day Friday as investigators sifted through the ruins for a cause. Vibert said DiPietro was expected to be back on the scene today.

Vibert said no firefighters were injured containing the flames, which were licking through the windows of the house when they arrived four minutes after the alarm. The fire never threatened neighboring houses, the chief said.

He said a number of firefighters were at the station for an officers' meeting when the call arrived, speeding the response.

Vibert said his firefighters were joined by crews from the East Farmington Fire Station, the Tunxis Hose Fire Station and the Plainville Fire Department. The Avon Fire Department provided backup coverage, he said.